FOSTER
CARER REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL
Reimbursement
for Travel
The
Family Services Policy and Procedures Manual 2000 is clear with
regard to the issue of paying travel for foster carers, in that
it specifies in Chapter 10 Financial Responsibilities for Children
in Substitute Care, under 7.6 Travel Costs, Access Travel.
"The
mileage rate payable is consistent with the applicable Public
Service rate". It further states: "Costs of interstate
travel and accommodation for access may be met by Family Services,
however prior approval of the Manager is required."
The
Public Service rates for mileage vary depending on car size
Up
to 1600cc 45.7cents
Above
1600-2600cc 51.9cents
Above
2600cc 53.8cents
Interstate
Travel
Another
related issue involves interstate travel. A number of carers live
in areas outside the ACT in surrounding NSW. For travel outside
the ACT a rate of 7.5 cents per kilometre will be applied. This
rate is based on the fuel consumption booklet issued by the NRMA.
It will be reviewed 6 monthly by Family Services.
Special
Needs
The
policy manual also states: "If the carer(s) is in receipt
of the Special Needs Subsidy, Family Services will not provide
payment for travel costs … as the loading is paid to the
carer to cover such expenses."
Please
note, for foster carers in receipt of the special needs subsidy
the Department recognises that there can be increased demands
on the foster carer. In these situations Family Services will
pay the normal ACT travel rate for travel in excess of 200km/week.
This applies to specialist appointments/contact and travel to
school outside the local area. It does not include general travel
as this cost is expected to be paid from the higher subsidy.
Approval
Family
Services workers, as a result of this policy should approve through
their Team Leader as part of a care plan, reimbursement for travel.
Agencies
Directions
On
receiving a claim from a Non-Government worker, a caseworker verifies
the claim and forwards it to their finance officer for payment.
This
policy takes effect from the date of this memo,
Gail
Winkworth
Director, Family Services
23 October, 2001
